Composite ribbon and the method of making the same



Oct. 19, 1943. -rz 2,332,233

COMPOSITE RIBBON AND THE METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME Filed April 11, 1940 INVENTOR MOB/W6 lmrz 'Tikiiflit. 19, 1943 COMPOSITE RIBBON AND THE METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME Morris Katz, Bronx, N. Y.

Application April 11, 1940, Serial No. 329,084

14 Claims.

This invention relates to composite ribbons and to the method of producing the same, and particularly to ribbons composed of a combination of different strip or strand materials arranged in abutting and overlapping relationship, and cemented together to form a composite structure, and the object of the invention is to provide a ribbon of the class described incorporating the properties and characteristics of the separate materials employed in producing in the resulting ribbon a multiplicity or in fact unlimited number of artistic arrangements to beautify and enhance the appearance of the ribbon while at the same time producing a ribbon at least part of the cross sectional area of which includes a transparent or translucent portion, a further object being to provide a composite ribbon bonded together by a cement adapted when moistened to firmly adhere contacting portions of ribbon, and with these and other objects in view, the invention consists in a ribbon of the class and for the purpose specified, constructed in accordance with the method more fully hereinafter described and claimed.

The invention is fully disclosed in the following specification, of which the accompanying drawing forms a part, in which the separate parts of my improvement are designated by suitable reference characters in each of the views, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one form of ribbon diagrammatically indicating the various types of strips and strands employed.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of one edge portion of the ribbon shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic view indicating one means for forming an irregular surface contour in the ribbon.

Fig. 4.- is a view similar to Fig. 1 showing only the central portion of the ribbon and showing a modification.

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4 showing another modification.

Figs. 6 and 7 are views similar to Fig. 1 showing other arrangements of the strips and strands.

Figs. 8 and 9 are plan views showing parts of other forms of ribbon made according to my invention showing other compound arrangements of strips and strands.

Fig. 9a is a fragmentary view diagrammatically illustrating a modification.

Figs. 10, 11, and 12 are views similar to Fig. 1

showing other adaptations of the invention, and,

Fig. 13 is an edge view of two ribbon sections adhered together in superimposed relation.

In Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawing, I have shown one adaptation of my invention, and in these figures, Ill represents a ribbon having a central transparent or translucent strip II of Cellophane or similar material. At I2 are shown edge members and intermediate the edge members and the strip are thread-like strands I3 of rayon or other similar material.

The strands [3 are arranged in substantially parallel relation and are bonded together by a suitable adhesive or cement indicated at Illa in Fig. 1. This adhesive also serves to unite the fibres of the strands, and to secure the strands to the edge members I2 and to the central strip I I, in forming the ribbon into a unitary composite body. The strip II is folded a number of times to dispose an opening along each side thereof adapted to receive portions of the strands I3 as indicated at I3a in Fig. 1. It will be noted in this connection that the strands I3 are preferably made up of loosely spun rayon fibres and it will be apparent that some of these fibres will extend from the body of the strand to form the protruding portions as illustrated at I3a. By thus arranging portions of the strands between the folded layers of the strip I I at edge portions thereof, it will be apparent that a firm bond will be formed between the strip II and the strands I3 under the action of the adhesive or cement employed. The film Illa, of cement has been shown only in Figs. 1 and 13. It will be understood, however, that the film will be present in all the'modifications shown, but has been omitted from the other figures to simplify the drawing.

The illustration in the drawing with respect to thicknesses of the various materials and in fact the structure of the strands are exaggerated for clarity in illustration. As a matter of fact, the resulting ribbon, except for the modified construction in Figs. 10 and 11, presents substantially smooth and uniform upper and lower surfaces as in other ribbons of the type and kind under consideration. In this respect the illustration of the bunched fibres forming the strands, for example, as at I3, is simply to portray the fact that a number of the fine fibres of rayon are in the form of what might be termed heavy thread, and the number of these threads are grouped together in the edge to edge relation in forming the strand body of the desired width comparatively with the width of the Cellophane and other strips employed. The ribbons may, of course, be made in difierent widths, but the present invention is primarily fibetween applicator rollers. fsufiicient adhesive be applied to thoroughly peneadapted for use in the narrower ribbons of which there is a greater use.

The edge members I2 as more clearly illustrated in Fig. 2 of the drawing include a strip of material I4 of a type to which the cement IIIa will not adhere. This strip may comprise a synthetic material or even a metallic or tinsel strip. The strip I4 has a plurality of rayon or cotton strands I5, arranged thereon in a manner to dispose portions of the strands in position to contact the strands I3 at intervals I5a, note Fig. 2, spaced longitudinally of the strip I l. The strands I5 have been indicated as arranged in a double-spiral wrap about the strip I4, but it will be apparent that any other arrangement of the strand I5 may be employed to dispose spaced portions thereof in abutting relation to the strands I3. It will be apparent that the adhesive or cement Illa applied to the composite members of the ribbon forms a bond between the strands I3 and. the strands I5, thereby uniting the edge members I2 with the rest of the ribbon.

In assembling the composite ribbon the strip II, the edge members I2 and the intermediate strands I3 are simultaneously fed from separate spools or other sources of supply and are brought together in the desired parallel abutting relation. It will be apparent that the members I2 may be assembled by wrapping the strands I5 about the strip I4 while the members are being thus fed into position; or on the other hand, the members I2 may be preformed and merely fed from a suitable storage spool or reel. The members thus arranged in parallel abutting relation are treated with the cementing saturant in any desired manner such, for example, as by passing the assembling members through a bath of the saturant, by spraying both surfaces of the assembled members with the saturant, or by passing the same It is important that trate between the strands I3 and at least partially into the folds of the strip II. standpoint it will be apparent that in some instances it may be advantageous to apply adhesive From this to the strands I3 or to the strip II or to both of these component parts of the ribbon before assembling these component parts. In other words the strands I3 and the strip II may be passed through a bath of adhesive or sprayed with the adhesive while being fed from storage spools or reels to the point where the component parts of the ribbon are assembled.

When the cement or adhesive has hardened, a thin bonding film will remain enveloping substantially the entire ribbon. This film is colorless and invisible to the eye and has been indicated merely diagrammatically in the drawing. It will be apparent that the film extending between and around the strands I3 serves to unite the individual fibres thereof, thereby preventing objectionable fraying. The cementing together of interengaged fibres of adjacent loosely spun strands imparts to the ribbon added resistance to transverse stress. It will be noted, however, that when the ribbon is subjected to excess transverse stress, the strands will separate not along definite lines between the strands but at spaced points to produce a net-like or web-like effect in the strained and extended ribbon. Thus in all uses of the ribbon the general structure of the ribbon is maintained, and it will be apparent that in some uses the ribbon may be intentionally extended as above described to produce desirable ornamental effects.

After the cement has hardened, the ribbon may be used without further treatment, but a superior product is produced by passing the substantially flat ribbon between rolls I6 having corresponding irregularities II on the surface thereof adapted to form irregularities of predetermined contour in the ribbon. The ribbon assumes a permanent irregular contour as diagrammatically illustrated at I8. It will of course be apparent that any desired contour may be provided in the rolls I6 to produce various ornamental effects in the ribbon.

The formation of the irregularities in the ribbon serves another useful purpose in providing slight longitudinal stretch or elasticity in the ribbon. This elasticity is highly advantageous as will be apparent especially from the standpoint of making the ribbon more resistant to the stresses encountered in tying the ribbon. It has been pointed out that the formation of the irregular surface contour of the ribbon as at I8 enhances the appearance thereof. It willbe appar-I ent in this connection that many ornamental effects may be produced, not only in the formation of the irregularities, but also in the selection of colors to be used in the various component parts II, I3, I4 and I5 of the ribbon, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2 and in the corresponding component parts shown in the other figures. Here two or more strand bodies I3 are employed that may be of same or different colors and this is also true of the strips I I and I4.

As a further means for characterizing and ornamenting the ribbon, there is shown in Fig. 4 a section of a ribbon indicating the rayon strands I32) and. a folded Cellophane" strip IIb comparable to the parts correspondingly numbered in Fig. 1 of the drawing. Between the folds of the strip Ilb there is arranged a narrow strip I9 of tinsel or other material not having a common solvent with the rayon and Cellophane. When a tinsel strip is employed, it will be apparent that the metallic sheen will be visible through the transparent folds of the strip Ilb and produce an interesting effect in the ribbon. It will of course be apparent that the strip I9 may be composed of Cellophane or other material.

As another means for varying the appearance of the ribbon there is indicated in Fig. 5 a small section of ribbon including rayon strands I30 and a pair of Cellophane strips Ho and H11 cemented or otherwise secured together. One of the strips, He, is provided with markings, apertures, or other means, Me for producing variegated designs at intervals along the ribbon. It

will of course be apparent that the variations in this decorative effect are almost limitless and may be applied as advertising matter or as designs otherwise appropriate to particular uses of the ribbon. Ribbons incorporating the features shown in Figs. 4 and 5 will be assembled in the manner previously described in connection with Figs. 1 and 2. It will of course be apparent that the strips Ho and IId may be composed of two or more thicknesses and these strips may be of different colors.

In Figs. 6 to 9 are shown four variations of the form of construction shown in Fig. 1 of the drawing; and while these variations are illustrative of some of the various ways in which the invention may be applied to ribbon construction, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the particular arrangements and combination shown. Fig. 6, for example, illustrates a ribbon having a strip portion 20, a strand poron 2|, and an edge band portion 22, similar to the edge member l2 in Fig. 1. The "Cellophane portion 20 may include a reinforced edge 20a formed by folding the material and it will be apparent that any desired multiple fold of the strip may be employed.

Fig. 7 indicates a ribbon construction including a central strand portion 23, and edge portions comprising strip 24. The strip portions have been shown as of uniform thickness but it will be apparent that if desired, the extremities thereof may be reinforced in a similar manner to the reinforced portion 2011 as seen in Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 shows a multiple construction including two strip portions 25, three strand portions 26, and opposed edge band portions 21 similar to the edge members l2 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 9 shows still another combination including two strand portions 28, a central strip portion 29 and edge strip portions 29a. The composite ribbons illustrated in Figs. 6 to 9 will be assembled in the manner previously described in connection with Fig. 1 and any desired surface contour may be imparted to the ribbon by passing the same through suitable rolls as will be apparent.

Fig. 9a diagrammatically illustrates a section of ribbon showing a modified construction. The section includes a lay of strand member arranged in abuttin relation and has been indicated in the drawing as comprising two groups of strands 13d and l3e, which are characterized differently as to color or other properties. The strands are secured together by a cement or adhesive Hlb which penetrate and envelops the strands in the manner previously described in connection with Figs. 1 and 2. A film is applied to at least one surface of the ribbon by what might be termed a printing operation. For

' purposes of illustration the film has been shown as comprising separate sections I and [0d coinciding with the groups l3d and [36 of the strand members and characterized differently as to color. Thus the film forms a means for enhancing the appearance of the ribbon either by amplifying the color characteristics in the strand members or by adding additional color to predetermined surface portions of the ribbon. It will also be noted that the film materially increases the resistance of the ribbon to transverse stresses tending to separate the strand members thereof. In some instances a uniform film may be employed throughout the ribbon or in other instances the film may be applied in variegated pattern arrangements having a plurality of different colors. The film 10c, lOd is preferably applied in a manner to produce an embossed effect in the surface thereof as diagrammatically indicated by the raised portions lDe.

It will be noted that the use of a characterizing and reinforming film as above mentioned, facilitates the production of large quantities of ribbon having a neutral or ground color characterization. Smaller quantities of specially characterized ribbon may then be quickly and inexpensively produced by the above mentioned printing operation, thereby meeting the demands of the trade in an efiicient and economical manner.

In Figs. 10 to 12 of the drawing there is shown another adaptation of the invention wherein the strand and the strips are arranged in parallel relation and joined to each other directly and/or through the medium of a strip of Cellophane extending the full width of the ribbon. In Fig. 10, for example, there is shown a wide strip of Cellophane or similar material having a central strip 3| arranged thereon and a plurality of longitudinally extending strands 32 arranged in groups spaced transversely of the strip 30. Edge portions of the strip 30 have been shown reinforced by folding the strip inwardly upon itself. It will be apparent, however, that other reinforcing means may be employed, as is taught, for example, in Fig. 11.

With a structure similar to that shown in Fig. 10 and others of this type and kind, as the strip 30 is composed of one solid color, then the folded edge portions 33 and also the longitulinal ribbon portions 34 will be of one color, the edge portions 33 being slightly darker by virtue of the superimposed layers of the material. However, this strip may be printed in a manner to provide different colors in the edge portions 33 as well as in the sections 34. It is presumed that the strip 3! will be of a different color than the strip 30, thus a further contrast will be provided centrally of the ribbon. In like manner the separate groups of the strands 32 may be of different color.

Fig. 11 shows a slight variation of the construction shown in Fig. 10 including a strip 30a similar to the strip 30 having other strips 3Ia arranged upon and secured to opposed surfaces thereof, and strands 32a exposed at spaced intervals, on opposed sides of the strip 30a. The edges 33a of the ribbon are indicated as comprising portions of the strip 30a folded over several strands 35 of rayon or other reinforcing material. Fig. 12 illustrates another variation of the construction wherein two wide strips 301) are employed, having another strip 3!?) as well as spaced groups of strands 32?)- arranged therebetween. Each of the strips 3% has been shown as including an edge 36 folded around the opposed edge of the other strip.

It will be apparent that the illustrations in Figs. 10 to 12 inclusive are simply to teach gen-1 erally the idea of utilizing one strip of Cellophane or similar material as a mounting upon which the strands may be applied either on one or both surfaces of Cellophane strip or within the boundaries of at least two layers of Cellophane. With this type of construction more substantial joinin of the strand material is produced. That is to say, it will be substantially impossible to separate or sever the separate strands one from the other, without first rupturing the Cellophane strip. However, ribbons of the type and kind under consideration are not as a rule susceptible to stresses or strains tending to pull apart the fibres transversely of the ribbon. The stresses are more often longitudinally of the ribbon, therefore, structures of the type and kind shown in Figs. 1 to 9 inclusive fulfill all the requirements of ribbons. The structures illustrated in Figs. 10 to 12 inclusive would be desirable in producing wider ribbons or in fact in producing sheets of material according to my invention, and particularly in producing packagewrapping sheets such as are commonly employed.

The strands employed in the various adaptations of the invention constitute preferably loosely-spun thread-like strands of synthetic fibres, and particularly fibres adapted to impart a soft silky sheen to the ribbon. It will be apparent, however, that for special purposes in various adaptations of the invention natural fibres of various types may be incorporated either separately or together with the synthetic fibres.

The cement film enveloping the ribbon is preferably of a type which is adapted when moistened with Water to adhere to other contacting portions of the ribbon, thus when separate ribbon sections 31, 31a having a cement film 38, 38a enveloping the same, are moistened and brought into contact as seen in Fig. 13, the contacting portions of the film become firmly united as at 39, thereby forming a strong bond between the ribbon sections. From this standpoint it will be apparent that the adhesive or cement employed will be of a water soluble type and kind. In Fig. 13 the ribbon sections have been indicated as having corresponding irregular contours which are adapted to interfit one with the other, thereby further increasing the strength of the bond between the sections. It will, of course, be apparent that any desired irregularities may be employed in the ribbon. On the other hand, ribbon sections having a substantially fiat or smooth surface contour may also be firmly united through the cementing action of the films thereof.

The use of a film having cementing properties when moistened as indicated in Fig. 13 has many practical adaptations, as will be apparent. For example, being able to secure ribbon sections together by merely moistening the same will greatly simplify the binding and wrapping of articles for gift, display, and other similar purposes. It will be noted in this connection that the joined ribbon sections produce the efiect of continuity in the ribbon, and in most instances it is almost impossible to determine where the sections have been joined.

It will be apparent that the use of a cement having the above-mentioned properties, is applicable to and advantageou in all the forms of construction previously mentioned, whether the construction be applied to narrow ribbon or to wider ribbon or sheet material. Furthermore, the cement film may be employed for joining ribbon sections of similar material, such for example, as two Cellophane sections or two rayon strand sections, or on the other hand, may be employed for joining dissimilar sections. In each instance, the joint formed between the contacting or superimposed ribbon sections will be strongly resistant both to stress longitudinally of the sections and to transverse stress tending to lift one superimposed layer from the other,

Having fully described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A composite product of the character described comprising a plurality of strands of synthetic fibrous material and at least one strip of a translucent cellulosic base material arranged in edge to edge abutting relationship, and means involving a film-like deposit of a cement adapted to adhere to said strands and strip uniting the same in forming a unitary sheet-like product.

2. A composite product of the character described comprising a plurality of strands of synthetic fibrous material and at least one strip of a translucent cellulosic base material arranged in edge to edge abutting relationship, means involving a film-like deposit of a cement adapted to adhere to said strands and strip uniting the same in forming a unitary sheet-like product, and the cement in said film-like deposit being water soluble whereby when moistened with water will adhere contacting portions of said composite product.

3. A composite product of the character described comprising a plurality of strands of synthetic fibrous material and at least one strip of a cellulosic base material arranged in edge to edge abutting relationship, and means involving a film-like deposit of a cement adapted to adhere to said strands and strip uniting the same in forming a unitary sheet-like product, said composite product including at least one other strip arranged in abutting relation to said strands, said cement being non-adhesive to said last-named strip, and means incorporated with said last-named strip adapted to form a bond with the strands adjacent said strip under the action of said cement.

4. A composite product of the character described comprising a plurality of strands of synthetic fibrous material and at least one strip of a cellulosic base material arranged in edge to edge abutting relationship, and means involving a film-like deposit of a cement adapted to adhere to said strands and strip uniting the same in forming a unitary sheet-like product, said composite product including at least one other strip arranged in abutting relation to said strands, said cement being non-adhesive to said lastnamed strip, and-means incorporated with said last-named strip adapted to form a bond with the strands adjacent said strip under the action of said cement, said last-named means comprising strand material arranged in spiral fashion 0 said strip.

5. A composite product of the character de scribed comprising a plurality of strands of synthetic fibrous material and at least one strip of a cellulosic base material arranged in edge to edge abutting relationship, means involving a film-like deposit of a cement adapted to adhere to said strands and strip uniting the same in forming a unitary sheet-like product, and the cross section of said sheet-like product longitudinally of the component strip and strand members thereof having a predetermined irregular contour imparting slightly resilient properties to said product.

6. A composite product of the character described comprising a plurality of strands of synthetic fibrous material and at least one strip of a cellulosic base material arranged in edge to edge abutting relationship, means involving a film-like deposit of a cement adapted to adhere to said strands and. strip uniting the same in forming a unitary sheet-likeproduct, the cement in said film-like deposit being water soluble whereby when moistened with water will adhere contacting portions of said composite product, the cross section of said sheet-like product longitudinally of the component strip and strand members thereof having a predetermined irregular contour imparting slightly resilient properties to said product, and the irregularities in said product being symmetrically arranged, whereby said irregularities will interfit in adhered portions of said product to increase the strength of the bond therebetween.

7. A composite product of the character described comprising a plurality of strands of synthetic fibrous material and a plurality of strips .of a cellulosic base material arranged in parallel abutting relationship, means involving a film-like deposit of a cement adapted to adhere to said strands and strips uniting the same in forming a unitary sheet-like product, at least one of said strips extending throughout the entire width of said sheet-like product thereby forming a mounting member for said strands and otherstrip or strips.

, 8. A composite product of the character described comprising a plurality of strands of synthetic material and a plurality of strips of a cellulosic base material arranged in parallel abutting relationship, means involving a film-like deposit of a cement adapted to adhere to said strands and strips uniting the same in forming a unitary sheet-like product, at least one of said strips comprising superimposed strip sections arranged to form unattached edge portions adapted to receive fibres of the strands arranged adjacent thereto.

9. A composite product of the character described comprising a plurality of strands of synthetic material and a plurality of strips of a cellulosic base material arranged in edge to edge abutting relationship, means involving a filmlike deposit of a cement adapted to adhere to said strands and strips uniting the same in forming a unitary sheet-like product, at least one of said strips comprising a multifolded member, the folds of said member being arranged to form unattached edge portions adapted to receive fibres of the strands arranged adjacent thereto, and means incorporated within the folds of said member and extending longitudinally of the strip for imparting a predetermined ornamental effect thereto.

10. A composite product of the character described comprising a plurality of strands of synthetic fibrous material and a plurality of strips of a cellulosic base material arranged in parallel abutting relationship, means involving a film-like deposit of a cement adapted to adhere to said strands and strips uniting the same in forming a unitary sheet-like product, at least one of said strips comprising a plurality of superimposed strip members, and one of said members being adapted to characterize said strip,

11. In a ribbon of the class described a lay of synthetic fibrous strands arranged in parallel abutting relationship, an adhesive film on at least one surface of said strands and penetrating therethrough uniting the same to form a unitary ribbon and a spirally Wrapped strip arranged longitudinally of and secured to at least one outer strand of said lay by said adhesive adhering to the wrapped portion of said strip,

12. A composite ribbon of the class described comprising a plurality of cellulosic strands and at least one folded strip of transparent cellulosic material arranged in edge to edge abutting relationship, and a cement film enveloping said strip and strands and penetrating through said strands and into the folds of said strip to form a unitary ribbon.

13. In a ribbon of the class described, a lay of strands arranged in parallel abutting edge to edge relationship, strips arranged longitudinally of the outer strands of said lay, said strips having spiral wrappings extending longitudinally thereof, and an adhesive uniting said strands and the spiral wrap of said strips in forming the resulting unitary ribbon.

14. In a ribbon of the class described, a lay of strands arranged in parallel abutting edge to edge relationship, strips arranged longitudinally of the outer strands of said lay, said strips having spiral wrappings extending longitudinally thereof, an adhesive uniting said strands and the spiral wrap of said strips in forming the resulting unitary ribbon, and said strips being metallic.

MORRIS KATZ. 

